The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to cultivate a positive mindset and embrace responsible communication as vital tools for personal success and national development.

Issa-Onilu made the call on Tuesday while delivering a public lecture titled “Positive Mindset and Communication for Success” at the reunion of the University of Ife Muslim Graduates Association held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The NOA disclosed this in a post shared on its official X handle, noting that the Director-General stressed the importance of citizens’ attitudes and public discourse in shaping the nation’s future.

Speaking at the event, Issa-Onilu said that national progress depends not only on government policies and programmes but also on the mindset of citizens and the quality of conversations within society.

He noted that resilience, hope, and solution-driven thinking remain essential in overcoming national challenges and achieving sustainable development.

According to him, fostering a culture of optimism and responsibility among citizens would help strengthen national unity and inspire collective efforts toward growth and stability.

The NOA boss also described communication as a powerful tool capable of shaping public perception, building trust, and promoting peaceful coexistence.

He warned against the spread of misinformation, divisive narratives, and careless communication, particularly in the digital age, stressing that such actions could undermine social cohesion and national progress.

Issa-Onilu further urged young Nigerians to use their voices and platforms responsibly, encouraging them to see themselves as active contributors to nation-building rather than passive observers.

He reiterated the need for citizens to uphold shared national values such as integrity, accountability, patriotism, and respect for the rule of law, in line with the objectives of the National Values Charter initiative.

The event also featured discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth empowerment, with participants calling for stronger collaboration between government, educational institutions, and the private sector to drive national development and create opportunities for young people.